It can be a considerable challenge to get the daily recommended levels of vitamins and minerals from diet alone. This leads numerous adults to use dietary supplements to bridge these nutritional gaps. An impressive 58% of adults add a multivitamin to their daily routine, while about 75% of Americans rely on various dietary supplements. Although supplements are helpful in achieving nutritional benchmarks, it’s possible to ingest excessive amounts of some vitamins.

Vitamins are generally classified into two categories: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed and used by the body, which typically excretes any excess. This makes an overload unlikely. Conversely, fat-soluble vitamins, specifically vitamins A, D, E, and K, tend to be stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver, which may pose a risk for toxicity if consumed in large amounts.

It’s prudent to consult with a healthcare expert before embarking on or continuing a supplement regimen, to ensure the dosages are safe and beneficial. The article titled “Are Vitamin Supplements Safe?” provides a more comprehensive analysis of the careful use of vitamin supplements.

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